AT&T hopes to offer TV via Internet

Posted: Friday, January 20, 2006

By By Michael HooperThe Capital-Journal

When Edward Whitacre Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of AT&T Inc., became sick and was unable to speak at the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce annual meeting, he called on James Callaway to take his place.

At Thursday's meeting, Callaway, senior vice president in business development at AT&T, said there is tremendous change taking place in the telecommunications sector. Cable companies now can provide phone service to two-thirds of the country, he said.

He said AT&T recently introduced Internet Protocol TV in San Antonio after the Texas legislature passed a law allowing for a statewide franchise agreement. The agreement eliminates the need for franchise agreements with every community in Texas, he said.

Callaway said AT&T is seeking similar legislation in Kansas this legislative session to bring Internet Protocol TV to Kansas. IPTV -- Internet Protocol Television -- is basically a way of getting TV transmitted via high-speed Internet connections.

Pending successful completion of trials and additional clarity on regulatory conditions, the AT&T strategy could result in an incremental investment of $4 billion in three years to make advanced IP-based services available to millions of customers in the AT&T service territory.

When Callaway arrived in Topeka, he also had a new job title -- senior vice president, business development. He formerly was group president-merger transition. SBC acquired AT&T in November and took its name.

Callaway said he has numerous ties to Kansas and many friends here. He lived three years in Wichita and five years in Topeka and spent one summer in Liberal. Callaway is a previous president of Southwestern Bell -Kansas.

AT&T has 2,400 employees in Kansas. The company invested about $100 million in technology in Kansas in 2005 and spent about $40 million in goods and services. The company's foundation donated about $1.4 million in grants and employees contributed many volunteer hours to their community.

"We believe in Kansas," Callaway said.

Michael Hooper can be reached at 295-1293 or michael.hooper@cjonline.com.